Harlandale ISD gets pumped for HEF Fund Drive

The excitement and enthusiasm for the Harlandale Education Foundation Fund Drive was palpable at the annual kick-off breakfast held at Don Pedro’s Mexican Restaurant on Feb. 2. The actual drive will be held Feb. 8 – 22.

Campus coordinators and administrators rose before the sun for a delicious buffet style breakfast and to gear up for this year’s drive.

Sara is a 2016 Harlandale High School graduate and recently completed her first semester at Texas A&M University San Antonio, where she is en route to become a teacher. Sarah is part of the university’s first freshman class and was able to finish her first semester with straight A’s. She credits her successful first semester to the scholarship.

“Without the support I received from the Harlandale Education Foundation, this would not have been possible,” Sara told the crowd.

Her dream is to become a teacher at Rayburn, her former elementary school.

“I want to give back to the community that has given so much to me,” Sara added.

Attendees cheered and thanked her for sharing her experience.

Throughout the two week giving period, the Communications department will be putting out videos featuring current Harlandale ISD seniors who will talk about their higher education goals.

All HISD graduates who go on to pursue higher education are eligible to receive a $625 or $1,250 scholarship from HEF.

This year’s goal is to donate $50,000 as a district. An anonymous donor will match the amount raised.

To get attendees excited about higher education, they were encouraged to show their college spirit for a special prize.

Gilbert Elementary Principal Herlinda Longoria swayed the crowd with her hula skirt representing the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islanders. Schulze Elementary Principal Sylvia Tovar, who was decked out in Texas Tech gear, and Pupil Personnel Administrator Katherine Pena, who was showered in UT Dallas sprit, both came in close second.